Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus vs. Alchemy Equipment Daypack
Two carry-on travel backpacks, compared spec for spec.
Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
| Capacity | 22 L |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Dimensions | 52×30×21 cm |
| Airline fit | 71% |
| Price | $179 |
Feature by feature
| Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus | Feature | Alchemy Equipment Daypack |
|---|---|---|
| Storage | ||
| N | Compression | N |
| None | Expanded Capacity | None |
| 4 | Opening | 2 |
| Y | Passport | front |
| N | Passthrough | N |
| Carry | ||
| Y | Backpack | Y |
| N | Hip Belt | N |
| N | Sternum Strap | Y |
| Inside | ||
| 15in | Laptop | 13in |
| 1 | Main Compartments | 2 |
| N | Organizer | N |
| Outside | ||
| × | Hard Shell | × |
| N | Rain-fly | N |
| N | Water Bottle Holder | 2, side |
| Y | Water Resistant | Y |
| Material | |
| Venture-weave polyester and leather | Waxed 600 denier Kodra (100% polyester) Embossed lining (100% polyester) Base: 3x PU-coated 900 denier Kodra |
Alchemy Equipment Daypack
| Capacity | 20 L |
| Weight | 0.6 kg |
| Dimensions | 43×36×13 cm |
| Airline fit | 86% |
| Price | $150 |
Key differences between the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus and Alchemy Equipment Daypack
- Opening: Top zip on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Rolltop on the Alchemy Equipment Daypack.
- Passport pocket: Yes on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Front on the Alchemy Equipment Daypack.
- Sternum strap: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; Yes on the Alchemy Equipment Daypack.
- Laptop sleeve: 15in on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 13in on the Alchemy Equipment Daypack.
- Main compartments: 1 on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2 on the Alchemy Equipment Daypack.
- Water bottle pockets: No on the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus; 2, side on the Alchemy Equipment Daypack.
Both have: backpack straps, water resistant.
Which airlines take each bag as a carry-on
We checked both bags against the carry-on size limits of 189 airlines. 122 accept both. 12 accept only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus, and 40 accept only the Alchemy Equipment Daypack.
Only the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus fits
Aerolineas Argentinas, Air France, Air India, Air Mauritius, Boliviana de Aviacion, Cayman Airways, Indigo, Jet Airways, Kenya Airways, KLM, LATAM , Sky Airlines.
Only the Alchemy Equipment Daypack fits
Air Baltic, Air China, Air Malta, Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, American Eagle, Asiana Airlines, ATA Airlines, Belavia, Blue Air, Bulgaria Air, China Eastern, easyJet, Emirates Airlines, Enter Air, Etihad Airways, Gulf Air, Icelandair, Juneyao Airlines, Luxair, Meridiana Fly, Nordwind Airlines, Oman Air, Qatar Airways, Ravn Alaska, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Ryanair, S7, Shandong Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Sun Express, TAP Air Portugal, TAROM, Tianjin Airlines (A320 & E190), TUI, Ukraine International, VIM Airlines (Closed), Volotea, Xiamen.
When it comes to practicality coupled with a sharp aesthetic, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus delivers in spades. Manufactured with Venture-weave polyester and leather, this sturdy pack weighs in at 1 pound and measures 21 inches tall, 30 inches wide, and 52 inches deep. With a generous capacity of 22 liters, it provides ample room for your daily necessities while still being compact enough to bring on 65% of airlines. Its noteworthy addition is a spacious laptop compartment, which can comfortably house up to a 15-inch laptop.
On the other hand, the Alchemy Equipment Daypack takes a more minimalist approach while still boasting robust features. Constructed with an upper made from Black Wax- wax coated PES and Black Slub Weave on the base, the Daypack measures at 43 inches tall, 26 inches wide, and 21 inches deep. Arriving at a weight of just 1 pound and a capacity of 20 liters, it remains highly portable and is compatible with 100% of airlines. A bonus feature is a laptop compartment designed to fit up to a 13-inch laptop.
To summarize, here are their key differences:
- Size: The Bellroy is smaller in height but wider, while the Alchemy is taller and narrower.
- Weight: Both weigh around 1 pound, but the Alchemy has virtually no weight.
- Capacity: The Bellroy holds a slight edge by offering 22 liters of capacity compared to Alchemy's 20 liters.
- Material: The Bellroy uses Venture-weave polyester and leather, while Alchemy utilizes Black Wax- wax coated PES and Black Slub WeaveBase.
- Laptop compartment: The Bellroy can fit a larger 15-inch laptop compared to Alchemy's 13-inch limit.
- Airline compatibility: While the Bellroy is compatible with 65% of airlines, Alchemy guarantees 100%.
With its robust build and thoughtful design, the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus has received rave reviews for being both "well suited to be your everyday carry for work" and an ideal bag for students. Its aesthetic strikes a perfect balance between form and function. Meanwhile, the Alchemy Equipment Daypack, with its sophistication and minimalist design, touts favorability amongst designers for its attention to detail. Both packs possess excellent craftsmanship and offer practical features, making either choice a worthy investment. Choose the Bellroy for more room, the ability to carry bigger laptops, and a classic build. Opt for the Alchemy for a sleek, minimalist design with universal airline compatibility.